Echanis, Michael D, SP 4

E Company (Long Range Patrol) 20th Infantry (Airborne), First Field Force Vietnam (IFFV) was activated on September 25, 1967 in Phan Rang, South Vietnam and then moved to Pleiku where the IFFV was.  The unit was organized with highly trained and motivated soldiers, most of whom had at least 6 months in combat and had undergone an intensive selection program before being assigned. The unit was organized to provide long range reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition, and special type missions in a Corp level basis and usually operated in 4-6 men teams. The company also had the capacity to operate as a platoon size force and conduct regular recon-in-force missions. At times, they were attached to Special Forces units and were trained by them at the MACV Recondo School in Nha Trang, South Vietnam.   On February 1, 1969 E Company was de-activated and was re-formed as C Company (Ranger) 75th Infantry (Airborne), IFFV and continued its mission until it was de-activated on October 25, 1971 in An Khe, South Vietnam.

In 1972 the unit was re-activated as C Company (Airborne Ranger), 75th Infantry, 1st Battalion, 29th Infantry, 197th Infantry Brigade, Fort Benning, GA.  In January 1974 CPT Robert L Howard (MOH) assumed command of the ranger company.  NOTE:  At some point in time I think the name of the unit was changed to C Company (Abn Rgr), 1st Battalion, 29th Infantry, 197th Infantry Brigade.  Since there are no records for the unit anywhere.  I have orders, etc showing the units name, however, I seen a 2A and a 2-1 and in the assignments slot it had C Co Abn Rgr 75th Inf (REORG) in the next slot below that there was the 29th Inf in place of the 75th Inf.  penciled in.  I think they re activated the original C/75/RGR incorrectly when they put them under the 29th Infantry since their lineage is with the 75th Infantry.  And that (REORG) meant re-organized, however at the troop level they just let it ride since they knew the company was going to be deactivated anyway which was just a drill for passing the guidon over to the 1st Ranger Battalion.    

However, when the new 1st Ranger Battalion, 75th Infantry (Airborne) was activated at Ft Benning, GA and then it was permanently assigned to Hunter Army Airfield, GA it was assigned the lineage from C Company (Ranger), 75th Infantry (Airborne), IFFV due to it's exceptional war record and it's outstanding performance as a Corp Level LRP/RGR unit and C Company (Airborne Ranger), 75th Infantry, 1st Battalion, 29th Infantry passed it's guidion onto the 1st Ranger Battalion, 75th Infantry (Airborne). It was a great honor to have it's lineage passed on to the first Ranger Battalion to be formed since WWII. C Company was deactivated and CPT Howard (MOH) took command of C Company 2nd Ranger Battalion when it was activated in Ft Lewis, WA and the 2nd Battalion were assigned the lineage from H Company (Ranger), 75th Infantry (Airborne), 1st Cavalry Division. C Company unit members were sent to either the new 1st or 2nd Ranger Battalions or the Ranger Training Headquarters.
 
When the 3rd Ranger Battalion was activated it was assigned the lineage from F Company (Ranger), 75th Infantry (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division.  The Ranger Regiment was formed at the same time the 3rd Battalion was, however, at the time the Rangers were under the Special Forces Lineage.  After 2 years the Regiment was awarded all rights, awards, etc and it's lineage became the Merrill's Marauder's from the WWII unit that was eventually given the 75th Infantry unit designator.  

When the Special Troops Battalion (STB) was activated it was assigned the lineage from N Company (Ranger), 75th Infantry (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade (Separate).   Once all that was settled then we requested that the 1st Ranger Battalion's scroll be placed on top of our unit patch which is our Unit Logo and it was approved.  Also when the 1st Ranger Battalion dedicated it's memorial we were invited to get bricks for all our Fallen Brothers and any unit member and they were in place when the memorial was dedicated.  This was a very special honor for us and it was a feeling only those who have been there will ever know.

Rangers Lead the Way

1SG Joey B Welsh USA-Ret
E/20/LRP & C/75/RGR IFFV
Unit Administrator # 003